The present investigation was undertaken to elucidate the nature and magnitude of gene action governing seed yield and oil quality traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.) using generation mean analysis. Four crosses, namely PR36 × Rohini, PRE11 × CS60, PRE15 × CS58, and PRL26 × Giriraj, were studied using six generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁, and BC₂) during the Rabi seasons of 2022–2024 at Ajitmal, Uttar Pradesh, India. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variability for seed yield, oil content, protein content, and fatty acid composition. Significant scaling tests indicated the presence of epistatic interactions, and therefore, the six-parameter model was employed. Both additive (d) and non-additive (h) gene effects were involved in the inheritance of most traits, with additive × additive (i) and dominance × dominance (l) interactions being predominant in several cases. The results suggest that a combined breeding strategy involving hybridization followed by selection in advanced segregating generations would be effective for improving seed yield and oil quality traits in Indian mustard.
A field experiment was carried out during two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 at Agronomy research farm of ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen management and post-emergence herbicides combinations on root growth, and yield of wet direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design and replicated thrice. The treatments consis- ted of three nitrogen management practices viz. N1: P100% K100% (basal), N100% through conventional urea (50% basal + 25% at tillering + 25% at PI), N2: P100% K100% (basal), N75% through conventional urea (50% basal+25% at tillering) + one spray nano urea at PI , N3 : P100%K100% (basal), N50% through conventional urea (basal) + one spray nano urea at tillering + one spray nano urea at PI were kept in main plot and five weed management practices viz. W0: Weedy Check, W1: Hand weeding twice, W2: Chlorimuron @ 2 g a.i./ha + Metsulfuron @ 2 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS, W3: Bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g a.i./ha + Azimsulfuron @ 18 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS, W4: Bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g a.i./ha + Pyrazosulfuron @ 25 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS in sub plot. Among nitrogen management practices, N2 recorded significantly higher Root length, Root volume, Root dry weight & grain yield (48.23 & 51.21 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (68.96 & 72.59 q ha⁻¹) during 2024 and 2025, respectively over N1 and N3. Among weed management practices, the application of bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g a.i./ha + azimsulfuron @ 18 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS (W3) proved most effective among PoE herbicide combinations, recorded significantly higher, Root length, Root volume, Root dry weight and yield and it was remained statistically at par with hand weeding twice.
The current research was carried out among small-scale fish farmers in the Ayodhya division, encompassing the districts of Ayodhya and Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. This study investigates the challenges they encounter under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Garrett’s Ranking Technique was employed to analyze the limitations across three primary categories: Constraints noted by Small-Scale Fish Producers, Constraints upheld by field workers, and Institutional constraints maintained by farmer limitations. Garrett’s highest mean scores (57.04, 56.69, and 56.99) for the Ayodhya division, Ayodhya district, and Ambedkar Nagar district, respectively, indicated that the loss from the perishable nature of produce was the predominant production constraint in all three study units. In the summer, water scarcity (average scores: 55.51, 55.20, and 55.64) and significant initial investment needs (average scores: 54.26, 54.24, and 53.81), which were consistently ranked second and third among all units, followed. The lack of minimum wage establishment was the most significant labor-related issue across all study regions (mean scores: 51.36, 51.46, and 51.46), followed by workplace gender discrimination and insufficient health insurance, highlighting the highly informal and vulnerable conditions of labor in fisheries. Regarding institutional constraints, all three units rated the challenge of acquiring institutional credit as the highest (mean scores: 52.88, 52.67, and 53.10). Subsequently, fishermen cooperatives functioned inadequately, highlighting significant deficiencies in the PMMSY execution framework at the local level.
Urban areas face escalating climate risks—rising temperatures, extreme precipitation, flooding, and deteriorating air quality—that demand urgent, scalable nature-based responses. This review synthesizes interdisciplinary evidence to evaluate the role of urban forestry and green infrastructure as nature-based solutions for building urban climate resilience. We examine the biophysical mechanisms through which trees and green infrastructure regulate urban climates, including shading, evapotranspiration, infiltration, and carbon assimilation, and assess how these processes generate critical ecosystem services: heat island mitigation, stormwater attenuation, carbon sequestration, air quality improvement, and biodiversity enhancement. Evidence from international case studies demonstrates that increasing urban tree canopy cover by 10–30% can reduce ambient air temperatures by 1–4°C, while green infrastructure such as bioswales and rain gardens can intercept 40–80% of stormwater runoff. Carbon sequestration in urban forests ranges from 0.2 to 2.0 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, depending on species composition and management. We further examine the socio-ecological dimensions of urban forestry, including community well-being, thermal comfort, and health co-benefits. However, the delivery of these services is contingent on appropriate species selection, spatial configuration, canopy structure, and adaptive governance. We identify critical knowledge gaps, particularly the limited economic valuation of urban ecosystem services, insufficient evidence from Global South cities, and the need for fine-scale spatial modelling. We conclude that integrating urban forestry and green infrastructure into climate-resilient planning frameworks requires strengthened empirical evidence, equity-sensitive design, and cross-sectoral governance to realise their full potential as systemic climate solutions.
Untreated sewage and municipal waste are discharged into the Umiam reservoir through the Umiam River, its primary water source. The rivers Umkhrah and Umshyrpi, which pass through the Shillong agglomeration area, are documented as being of concern, but Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes in the watershed of the Umiam River are not addressed. Sentinel-2 satellite imagery for the post-monsoon period from 2016 to 2020 was analyzed to understand LULC dynamics within the study area. Six LULC classes from Level I of Anderson’s classification were identified using a maximum likelihood classifier (MLC) supervised classification, with mean land shares recorded as: Agricultural land (10.97%), barren land (2.27%), built-up area (6.28%), forest (42.82%), rangeland (37.14%), and water bodies (0.52%). Net increases were recorded in rangeland (4.69%), agricultural land (1.68%), built-up area (1.15%), barren land (0.36%), and water bodies (0.18%), while forest cover decreased by 8.06% across the study period. LULC findings were compared with NDVI results, which recorded a mean of agricultural land (8.72%), barren land (1.80%), built-up area (5.23%), forest (44.35%), rangeland (39.75%), and water bodies (0.16%). In support of LULC trends, net increases in NDVI were recorded in rangeland (3.09%), agricultural land (2.45%), built-up area (0.85%), barren land (0.30%), and water bodies (0.09%). In comparison, 6.77% decrease in forest cover occurred across the study period. Overall accuracies of 85% and 85.50% were achieved in 2016 and 2020, respectively, for LULC classification. Kappa coefficients of 0.811 (2016) and 0.818 (2020) were rated almost perfect in the Kappa statistics. The contribution of anthropogenic activities in the watershed towards the reservoir’s degradation is indicated by the LULC and NDVI dynamics across the study period. This study will enable further identification, prioritization, execution and monitoring of management interventions to restore the reservoir’s health.
A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at the Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. To study the effect of sowing methods, irrigation scheduling, and agrochemicals application on growth and yield parameters of wheat. The experiment consist of three crop establishment methods i.e Line sowing, Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed (FIRB), and System of Wheat Intensification (SWI), three irrigation levels i.e 1.0 IW/CPE ratio, 0.75 IW/CPE ratio and 5 Irrigation each at (CRI, Tillering, late jointing, flowering and milking) in main plot and three agrochemical treatments i.e Hydrogel @ 10 kg ha-1, Salicylic acid @ 200 ppm and Hydrogel 10 kg ha-1 + Salicylic acid @ 200 ppm. Results reveals that higher plant height was recorded with line sowing with 1.0 IW/CPE ratio 1.0 and hydrogel 10 kg ha-1 + salicylic acid 200 ppm. Higher flag leaf area was recorded under SWI sowing whereas, maximum total tillers was recorded under line sowing with higher level of irrigation and agrochemical application. Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed sowing method produced the highest grain yield (48.29 and 50.34 q ha-1) followed by Line sowing method whereas Line sowing method recorded highest Straw yield and System of wheat Intensification recorded the highest harvest index (40.61 and 42.00%). Irrigation at IW/CPE ratio 1.0 recorded significantly higher enhanced growth and yield parameters compared to 0.75 IW/CPE ratio. The combined application of hydrogel (10 kg ha⁻¹) and salicylic acid (200 ppm) resulted in superior crop performance. The findings suggest that FIRB sowing combined with optimal irrigation and agrochemical application is most effective under late-sown conditions.
Analysis of rainfall-related characteristics is an important problem in agrarian development and food production planning. Using daily rainfall and evaporation data for the Dimapur, Nagaland, an attempt to determine the onset of effective monsoon (OEM), dry spell (DS), and critical dry spell (CDS). The identification will aid groups in making crop planning decisions, whether they are directly or indirectly involved in agricultural output. Results revealed that in the year 2005 first OEM was detected in 2nd July of 27th week with a weekly rainfall of 16.60 mm. Similarly in the successive years i.e., 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 the first OEM were seen on 28th May of 22nd week, 5th February of 6th week, 4th June of 23rd week, 4th June of 23rd week, 16th April of 16th week, 11th June of 24th week, 30th July of 31th week, 7th May of 19th week, 30th July of 31st week,11th June of 24th week, 16th April of 16th week, 2nd June of 14th week , 11th June of 24th, 2nd July of 27th week and 21st May of 21st week. From the average value of all the years, the first OEM was observed in 21st week with 25.89 mm and the DS was observed in 30th, 36th and 38th week with 32.03 mm, 22.44 mm and 27.22 mm respectively. The CDS occurred successively in the first 20 weeks and last 11 weeks.
Climate change significantly impacts the structure and dynamics of riverine fish populations, resulting in niche shifts that disrupt species distribution and alter spawning behaviors due to changes in water temperature and flow patterns. These alterations lead to reduced fitness and increased mortality rates as fish experience thermal stress at temperatures exceeding their tolerance thresholds. Additionally, compromised immune systems increase fish susceptibility to infections, while changes in disease transmission modes and water chemistry facilitate the proliferation and spread of parasites, ultimately threatening fish populations. Climate-induced modifications in river ecosystems endanger fish species diversity and ecosystem resilience. A major uncertainty in predicting the effects of climate change on ecosystems lies in understanding how it alters intra-species interactions. The unforeseen consequences of climate change may arise from the varied responses of different species to environmental temperature changes. Climate change-induced thermal stratification has altered the feeding relationships between phytoplankton and zooplankton in riverine environments. An increasing temporal mismatch in rivers, characterized by a prolonged decline in phytoplankton and small herbivores, could significantly impact resource transfer to higher trophic levels. Changes in fish populations and fisheries can have substantial economic and social repercussions for local fishermen who depend on them. Conservation efforts must prioritize habitat restoration and align with climate change projections to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish populations.
Blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) is the fourth important short-duration pulse crop Similar to the other pulses, it enriches soil nitrogen content .In view of existing situation and importance of blackgram in Indian economy, the necessary prerequisite is development and popularization of economically sound and environmentally safe integrated management approach for successful management of Yellow Mosaic Disease in blackgram. YMV disease in mungbean is one of the major disease causing heavy losses annually throughout the country. As the disease is transmitted by insect vector, management of vector is important to check the YMV disease that can minimise the losses. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate different IPM modules for management of YMV disease of Blackgram. This experiment was conducted in RBD. The least white fly population was recorded in IPM module treated plots. The lowest yellow mosaic virus (YMV) incidence and whitefly symptom reflected in terms of highest grain yield by reducing the cost of chemicals. The maximum and minimum temperature showed significant correlation with Yellow Mosaic Virus Maximum disease incidence developed at maximum temperature of 35-420C and minimum temperature of 21-290C during summer 2020 in blackgram. However, the extension gap and technology gap were more so, there is an urgent need to create awareness among farmers about the implementation of IPM against YMV through the services of extension personnel to improve the blackgram yield and to reduce the extension and technology gaps in the Pudukottai district.
The widespread use of conventional irrigation practice i.e., flood irrigation needs to replace with more water conserving practices like drip irrigation. In order to enhance cotton productivity, it is necessary to optimize water and nutrient levels through resource conservation techniques. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of the DSSAT-CROPGRO-Cotton model under varying irrigation and fertilizer regimes during the kharif season of 2020. The experiment was assigned with Randomized complete block design, including three subsurface irrigation levels: at 60 % ETc (I₁), 80 % ETc (I₂), 100 % ETc (I₃), coupled with two fertigation levels: 75% (F₁) and 100 % (F₂) recommended dose of nitrogen (112.5 kg N/ha). Additionally, 100% RDN (105 kg N/ha) with surface flood irrigation and 100 % RDN (112.5 kg N/ha) with surface drip irrigation with were used as control. Results revealed that the highest seed cotton yield (3393 kg/ha) was recorded with subsurface fertigation of 100 % RDN (I₂F₂) with irrigation at 80% ETc, at par to fertigation of 100 % RDN with 100% ETc (I₃F₂). The DSSAT-CROPGRO-cotton model showed high accuracy, with higher d-stat (above 0.91) for simulating various growth, phenology and yield parameters. Thus, lower error values obtained under simulation results further supported the model’s applicability under diverse inputs and management conditions.
The experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of exogenous application of nano-calcium and humic acid on different horticultural traits of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) under subtropical condition of Srinagar Garhwal at Horticultural Research Centre, Department of Horticulture, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand during rabi season, 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in randomized Block Design with three replications having 9 treatments viz., T0 (Control), T1 (Humic acid @ 2.5g/l), T2 (Humic acid @ 4g/l), T3 (Nano-calcium @ 2.5ml/l), T4 (Nano-calcium @ 4ml/l ), T5 (Nano-calcium @ 2.5ml/l + Humic acid @ 2.5g/l), T6 (Nano-calcium @ 2.5 ml/l + Humic acid @ 4g/l), T7 (Nano-calcium @ 4ml/l + Humic acid @ 2.5g/l) and T8 (Nano-calcium @ 4ml/l + Humic acid @ 4g/l). The means of the ANOVA test were compared at 0.05 level of probability. The result of present investigation showed that, the treatment T7 (Nano-calcium @ 4ml/l + Humic acid @ 2.5g/l) gave the best outcome for growth parameters i.e., plant height, plant spread and number of unwrapped leaves, and yield parameters i.e., plant weight, head weight, head diameter, polar diameter and core diameter. For quality parameters, i.e., total soluble solid, ascorbic acid and dry weight, and core length, the treatment T6 (Nano-calcium @ 2.5 ml/l + Humic acid @ 4g/l) gave the superior result, while yield per plot, yield per hectare, head compactness and total soluble solid were found best under the treatment T8 (Nano-calcium @ 4ml/l + Humic acid @ 4g/l). However, equatorial diameter was found to be highest in treatment T4 (Nano-calcium @ 4ml/l). Therefore, it is possible to propose that combined treatments, such as 4 ml/l of nano-calcium and 2.5 g/l of humic acid, could be used to increase the production of cabbage cv. Golden Acre in the valley condition of Garhwal region.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a vital cereal crop worldwide, yet its post-harvest storage is threatened by the maize weevil (Sitophilus spp.), a pest responsible for significant quantitative and qualitative losses. Conventional reliance on synthetic insecticides raises environmental, health, and resistance concerns, necessitating eco-friendly alternatives. This study evaluated the efficacy of selected indigenous plant powders Acorus calamus (sweet flag), Vitex trifolia (Chinese chaste tree), Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Azadirachta indica (neem seed kernel extract, NSKE), Zanthoxylum acanthopodium (wing leaf prickly ash), and Ageratum conyzoides (floss flower) in protecting maize seeds during storage and their impact on seeSd germination. The powders were applied at 10g/kg of maize seeds and compared with a chemical standard (Fenvalerate 0.4% DP) and an untreated control. Results revealed that untreated seeds suffered the highest seed loss (23.92%) and weight loss (9.39%). Fenvalerate 0.4%proved most effective, with minimal seed (7.88%) and weight loss (2.46%). Among botanicals, A. calamus, NSKE, and lemongrass powders significantly reduced seed loss (10.46–13.58%) and weight loss (4.07–4.69%), showing parity with the chemical check. In terms of germination, NSKE, treated seeds recorded the highest viability (80%), followed by lemongrass (57%) and V. trifolia (55.33%), while chemical treatment (16%) and some botanicals like sweet flag (18.66%) and floss flower (12%) reduced germination drastically. These findings suggest that NSKE, lemongrass, and sweet flag are promising eco-friendly protectants for reducing maize weevil damage without severely compromising seed viability, offering farmers sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides.
The present experiments were carried out at the Research Farm Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Mzaffarpur in two respective years under Randomized Block Design with four replication. The experimental materials comprised five genotypes including two checks Sree Kala and Sree Latha of lesser yam. Mean Sum of square due to genotypes were found highly significant for traits viz ; days to 50% plant emergence, tuber length, marketable tuber/plant, non-marketable tuber/plant and tuber yield in both the years. High GCV was observed for traits viz ; days to 50% plant emergence, tuber length (cm), no of marketable tuber yield/plant and No. of non-marketable tuber yield/plant in both the years, while for traits viz; vine length (cm), dry matter (%) and tuber yield (kg)/plot in first year. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for characters viz ; days to 50% plant emergence, tuber length (cm) and no of non-marketable tuber yield/plant in both the years. Tuber length (cm), tuber girth (cm) and dry matter (%) had shown the significant and positive correlation with marketable tuber yield (t/ha) having high positive direct effect in both the year.
Earthworms are keystone organisms in terrestrial ecosystems and play a fundamental role in maintaining soil structure, fertility, and biological productivity. Often described as “ecosystem engineers,” Earthworms influence soil porosity, nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and microbial dynamics. Despite their ecological and agricultural importance, Earthworm populations worldwide are increasingly threatened by intensive agricultural practices, excessive pesticide and fertilizer use, soil pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. The decline of Earthworms poses serious consequences for soil health, crop productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services essential for sustainable development. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the ecological importance of Earthworms, the major threats contributing to their decline, and the potential environmental and socio-economic consequences of reduced Earthworm populations. Furthermore, it discusses effective conservation and management strategies, emphasizing sustainable agriculture, pollution control, habitat restoration, policy frameworks, and public awareness. Protecting Earthworm populations is crucial for ensuring long-term soil sustainability, food security, and ecological balance.
Zingiberaceae, the largest family in the order Zingiberales, is a taxonomically diverse group of aromatic, rhizomatous herbs represented by 4022 species under 114 genera globally. The present study deals with a comparative morphological assessment of seven Zingiberaceae species—Alpinia nigra (Gaertn.) B.L.Burtt, Boesenbergia hamiltonii Mood, S.Dey & L.M. Prince, Curcuma aromatica Salisb., Globba racemosa Sm., Hedychium coccineum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm., Hedychium stenopetalum G. Lodd., and Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Sm. collected from Garbhanga Reserve Forest of Assam, India. Detailed observations of vegetative and reproductive traits, including leaves, calyx, corolla, labellum, stamens, staminodes, and gynoecium were recorded, and diagnostic features were tabulated. A dichotomous key based on the species morphology was prepared to facilitate the identification of the studied genera. The study revealed both interspecific variations and shared characteristics, remarkably in floral structures crucial to taxonomic demarcation. Moreover, the incorporation of high-resolution colored comparative photoplates of the floral parts adds significant value to species identification and taxonomic verification. The findings provide baseline data valuable not only for taxonomic verification but also for ecological monitoring and conservation of Zingiberaceae within this biodiversity-rich yet underexplored forest ecosystem.
A small, isolated population of Axis porcinus (Hog deer),surviving in a long stretch of agricultural fields have been recorded from a rural landscape in Narsan Block near Roorkee in Haridwar district of the north Indian State of Uttarakhand. The species is thriving across the inter-State boundary of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh States. Considering the reliable records in the literature and preliminary observations, it appears that the species has a sparse distribution across the mosaic of agricultural fields near Roorkee (Uttarakhand) and Deoband (Uttar Pradesh), however, is uncommon. This is the first documented record, which confirms the presence of the species in Bangar plains in Uttarakhand State with photographic plates and notes on species’ natural history. As the species is poorly studied in the State and data on its distribution and ecology is lacking, scientific studies, emphasizing on the species’ re-assessment and population distribution are needed to be conducted to formulate a long-term conservation plan for this globally endangered species.
This research investigates the biosorption capabilities of two bacterial species, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens against heavy metals. A time-course in-vitro experiment was conducted to evaluate their tolerance and biosorption efficiency when exposed to iron (Fe3+) and chromium (Cr6+). Using ICP-MS analysis, B. subtilis was found to biosorb approximately 27% Cr6+ and 46% Fe3+ after 72 hours, while P. fluorescens biosorbed about 38% Cr6+ and 32% Fe3+. Interestingly, a consortium of both species demonstrated enhanced biosorption compared to individual cultures, indicating a synergistic effect in reducing heavy metal concentrations. Results suggest that consortia of these microbes can serve as effective bioremediation agents for heavy metal contamination.
The present study evaluates the ecological characteristics of bao rice (deep-water rice) fields and assesses their role as breeding, feeding and refuge habitats for indigenous fish species. Seasonal fish sampling was conducted during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and extended post-monsoon periods using traditional fishing gears, along with dewatering catch after harvest. A total of 30 indigenous fish species, including several ornamental fishes, representing 16 families and 8 orders were recorded. This study provides the first evidence of seasonal fish abundance patterns in bao-rice fields, where the continuous presence of larvae and juveniles suggests their importance as in-situ breeding and nursery habitats. Prolonged inundation enables these agro-wetlands to function as conservation wetlands and human-supported natural fish gene banks. The findings highlight the ecological importance of bao rice fields in sustaining fish diversity and their socio-economic significance for communities dependent on traditional fisheries. The study emphasizes the need for targeted conservation and sustainable management of deep-water rice ecosystems to support biodiversity conservation and rural livelihood security.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple crop critical to global food security, yet sustaining high productivity requires integrated nutrient management strategies that enhance nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental impacts. This study evaluated the effects of seaweed extract, NPK consortia, and urea foliar sprays on the growth, yield attributes, and nutrient uptake of rice along with chemical properties of post-harvest soil. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with multiple treatment combinations, including recommended fertilizer practices, seaweed extract application, NPK consortia, and foliar urea sprays applied at key growth stages. Results indicated that it significantly improved plant growth and development compared to control and conventional fertilizer treatments. Yield components were also enhanced under combined treatments with better nutrient use efficiency and potential reduction in soil nutrient depletion.
Microgreens, also known as “vegetable confetti,” are young, eatable sprouts of vegetables and herbs harvested approximately 7–20 days after germination, at the stage of completely developed cotyledons and emerging true leaves. Unlike sprouts, microgreens are collected without roots and have unique compositions and nutritional profiles. Because of their rapid growth cycle, low input requirements, and high nutrient density, microgreens have emerged as a sustainable and functional food source, particularly in Western diets. Their growth requires clean water, controlled moisture, and adequate light exposure, while fertilizers and pesticides are frequently unnecessary. Seed density, nutrient supplementation, and the quality and intensity of light significantly affect biomass yield and phyto-chemical accumulation. Microgreens are known for their rich phyto-composition, which includes essential minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg and Mn), vitamins (C, E and K), carotenoids, polyphenols and glucosinolates—all of which are frequently found in greater amounts than in mature plants. The regular consumption of microgreens has been linked to improved antioxidant capacity and anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Microgreens can be grown via hydroponic and aquaponic systems, as well as via substrate-based soilless techniques.
